New Product - Blue Green Algae Remover by Ultra Life

Porter10

Porter10

AC Members
Dec 20, 2006
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Shrewsbury, MA
I know there has been alot of discussion/debate over how to erradicate the infamous BGA that can be brought on by low Nitrates, nutrient imbalance, etc. in Planted tanks.

I stubled upon a new product in my LFS called Blue Green Algae Remover made by Ultra Life. It states it is safe for fish and plants, but may impact PH, oxygen and or ammonia levels (and it recommends you keep an eye on them).

I spoke to the LFS experts and they say they use it several times with amazing success and no issues in their tanks. I also called the company and they obviously said the same. In fact, it has been out for 6 mos now and they have only received I customer with negative feedback, and it had to do with their ghost shrimp not liking the stuff. They mentioned the ingredients were a trade secret, but were comprised of vitamins and several minerals.

Has anyone used this product or ever heard of it?

And yes, I already realize many of the purists on these forums would recommend a blackout, water changes, etc. vs using any additives.

Thanks!
 
the most effective method for removing blue green algae(cynobacter)- erythromycin.

it is not a true algae it's a bacteria and many times blackouts have no effect.

it can establish in a tank with low nitrates as it can fix nitrogen from the air.

I have never heard of the product you speak of.
but I can say that erythromycin is very effective..when I used it . it did not affect my bio-filter but you should watch closely.
 
purists on these forums would recommend a blackout, water changes, etc. vs using any additives.
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consider me a 'purist'. a blackout won't help since BG algae is a bacteria, not an algae in the true sense. vacuum the gravel thoroughly, weekly for the next month concurrent with water changes. chemicals are not a good idea.
 
Erythromycin works wonders and won't mess with your water parameters. Sensitive fish and plants can tolerate it as well over the 3-4 day treatment period. I certainly wouldn't use a product that refuses to list the ingredients and admits that it alters water parameters.

I tried the frequent water changes and vacuuming in the past for a BGA outbreak. It was a lot of bucket chugging fighting a losing battle. Erythomycin eradicated the stuff and I haven't seen it since.

To prevent future outbreaks if this is a planted tank, just prevent the nitrate levels from bottoming out. I find 10-15ppm a good range.
 
liv2padl said:
consider me a 'purist'. a blackout won't help since BG algae is a bacteria, not an algae in the true sense. vacuum the gravel thoroughly, weekly for the next month concurrent with water changes. chemicals are not a good idea.
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This is wrong, the Blackout kills the BGA that's there, Cyano requires light to survive, just like algae, but it more sensitive to blackouts.

What a blackout does not do is prevent subsequent returns(BGA releases resistent spores that will not come back if you correct the root cause), because no pill, nor blackout addresses the long term root cause, when folks discuss Blackout or any BGA treatment plan, it should include good filter cleaning, substrate, good CO2, and importantly adding regular dosing of KNO3.

You got most of it right though, good job.

Antibiotics will kill algae, they will not prevent the return, only delay it.
The UL product is namely for marine cyano's(they sell a red slime remover, also an antibiotic), I've tested in a several species, it did not work over time.

Not enougbh water changes, too much organic muck in the gravel.filter, poor current, and namely low NO3 seem to be the main reasons for appearances.
So cleaning, good KNO3 dosing and good plant growth will cure most algae issues.


Regards,
Tom Barr
 
What a blackout does not do is prevent subsequent returns
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that's what i meant. (resistent spores) i guess i didn't express it very well. thanks.
 
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